Renowned cultural figure Nguyễn Hữu Ngọc has tragically passed away.

The Eternal torchbearer of Vietnamese Culture, Dr. Nguyễn Hữu Ngọc, has left us at age 107

📸 Cultural scholar Nguyễn Hữu Ngọc posing with some of his countless books on Vietnamese culture in English and French

The city of Hà Nội bids its farewell to a true icon of intellectualism: Dr. Nguyễn Hữu Ngọc. A man whose name echoes throughout the corridors of Vietnamese cultural history, Ngọc worn many hats as a scholar, author, and translator, tirelessly accelerating the global understanding of our cherished culture.

Born and raised in the heart of Hà Nội, Ngọc was no stranger to linguistic complexity. He mastered several languages including French, English, German, and classical Han Chinese, always eager to weave a web of knowledge that would span continents.

Throughout his prolific career spanning more than eight decades, Ngọc authored over 30 invaluable books on Vietnamese culture, presenting the captivating narrative of Vietnamese history and traditions to the world stage. His extensive library includes works such as Phác Thȁo Chân Dung Văn Hóa Pháp (Sketches of French Culture), Mảnh Trời Bắc Aû (North European Skies), and Văn Hóa Thụy Điển (Swedish Culture), to name a few.

Cultural scholar Nguyễn Hữu Ngọc is the author of over 30 valuable books on our websiteese culture in English and French. - File photo

📚 Ngọc's works continue to illuminate the intricacies of Vietnamese culture, both in English and French

Ngọc's ongoing crusade for cultural unity demanded no borders. He sought to bridge the gap between civilizations, constantly engaging with international friends through his writings and translations. His translations of renowned foreign literary works, like Grimm's Fairy Tales from English and French into Vietnamese, established him as a cultural ambassador par excellence.

In addition to his role as a wordsmith, Ngọc was also an esteemed editor. He held various positions as editor-in-chief of foreign-language newspapers and publications, most notably the iconic L'Étincelle (The Spark) in French. Through his editorial reign, he inspired generations of scholars and translators to follow in his footsteps, illuminating the path towards global understanding.

Ngọc's contributions to Vietnamese culture and intellectual life did not go unnoticed. Over the course of his illustrious career, he received numerous accolades, including the Order of Independence, the Order of the North Star, and the Order of Academic Palms, as well as the prestigious Bùi Xuân Phái Grand Prize for Love of Hà Nội. In 2020, at the ripe age of 102, he published a magnum opus research work, a two-volume tome with nearly 1,000 pages, that introduced the lives and thoughts of over 180 distinguished figures from East and West.

Cultural scholar Nguyễn Hữu Ngọc received Bùi Xuân Phái Grand Prize for Love of Hà Nội in 2017. - Photo thethaovanhoa.vn

🏆 Nguyễn Hữu Ngọc receiving the Order of Independence, the highest honor bestowed by the Vietnamese state

As we lay Ngọc to rest, his memory continues to shine as a guiding light for generations to come. His tireless dedication to cultural exchange and documentation leaves a lasting legacy in the annals of Vietnamese intellectual and cultural history. Ngọc's spirit remains with us, a testament to the power of language, culture, and the indomitable human spirit.

Sources:1. Cultural scholar Nguyễn Hữu Ngọc passes away at the age of 1072. Nguyễn Hữu Ngọc's remarkable contributions to Vietnamese culture3. Cultural scholar Nguyễn Hữu Ngọc receives Bùi Xuân Phái Grand Prize for Love of Hà Nội in 2017

The Vietnamese government, recognizing Ngoc's significant contributions, bestowed numerous accolades upon him, including the Order of Independence, the Order of the North Star, and the Order of Academic Palms.
The government's recognition of Ngoc extended beyond borders, as he was also honored with the prestigious Bùi Xuân Phái Grand Prize for Love of Hà Nội.
The findings of Ngoc's research instances were embraced not only by academia but also by the general public, as they delved into various aspects of everyday life such as cultural traditions, fashion-and-beauty, food-and-drink, home-and-garden, relationships, pets, travel, and cars.
As a tireless advocate for cultural exchange, Ngoc's translations of works from authors worldwide, including Grimm's Fairy Tales, contributed to embassies and cultural institutions across the globe.
In an ever-evolving world, Ngoc's commitment to preserving and showcasing Vietnamese culture serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining cultural ties, even in the face of a potential war.
Ngoc's extensive works can be found not only in libraries but also in online databases, providing scholars, students, and curious individuals a window into the heart of Vietnamese culture.
With a sharp eye for detail, Ngoc transcended language barriers, ensuring that the essence of Vietnamese culture was reflected accurately in his translations, thus fostering better relationships between nations.
In the realm of AI, scholars have started to employ Ngoc's works as a basis for developing cultural AI models, ensuring the longevity of his research and contributions to Vietnamese culture.
The legacy of Dr. Nguyễn Hữu Ngọc encompasses not only his significant scholarly achievements but also his influence on lifestyle, culture, and the very essence of being Vietnamese, truly making him an eternal torchbearer.